JAS Tensei: Pininfarina brings the original NSX back as a restomod

(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – The first generation of the Honda NSX (1990-2005) has long become a cult object, not only because Ayrton Senna pushed the Japan-Ferrari to its limits. The general JDM wave is already causing significantly six-figure prices for particularly rare variants of the NSX. Now Pininfarina has taken on the NSX.

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Thus, the idea of the “Japan-Ferrari” takes on a whole new meaning. After all, Pininfarina designed almost all Ferrari models for decades. On the occasion of Milano Design Week, the Italian design house presents a comprehensive exhibition that highlights the company’s design evolution from tradition to future mobility concepts.

At the center of the presence is the connection of historical milestones with current high-performance projects. From April 20 to 26, Pininfarina will showcase two vehicles demonstrating the brand’s technological breadth as part of the “10 Years of Open-Air Motor Shows” exhibition in Via Tortona.

These are the all-electric Hyper-GT Battista Nino Farina and the historic Honda HP-X concept car from 1984. While the Battista, with an output of 1,900 PS (1,400 kW) and a specific Rosso Nino paint finish, marks the current peak of performance, the recently restored HP-X represents the roots of the collaboration with Honda. The wedge-shaped concept, already manufactured from carbon fiber and Kevlar in the 1980s, is considered a direct predecessor of the Honda NSX.

A key component of this year’s exhibition presence is the world premiere of the JAS Tensei project, which will initially be presented as a 1:5 scale model. The name Tensei is derived from the Japanese word for “rebirth” and describes JAS Motorsport’s first road-legal high-performance vehicle.

The company, which has been Honda’s technical partner in motorsport for three decades, is utilizing Pininfarina’s design expertise for this project. Technically, the JAS Tensei is based on the chassis of a first-generation Honda NSX from the 1990s.

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Photo gallery: JAS Tensei based on Honda NSX by Pininfarina

The original aluminum structure is combined with a completely newly developed body made of visible carbon, which unites modern aerodynamic requirements with the lines of the classic mid-engine sports car. The aim of the project is to merge the mechanical directness of the historical model with motorsport components from JAS and a contemporary aesthetic into a modern Gran Turismo.

In addition to the automotive exhibits, Pininfarina uses Design Week to provide insights into the company’s global creative processes in the expert dialogue “Vision to Form”. Here, CEO Paolo Dellachà and the design management discuss the working methods between the headquarters in Cambiano and the studio in Shanghai.

In parallel, Pininfarina will showcase new product design concepts, including the Orizzonte Collection, in the Brera district in cooperation with furniture manufacturer Reflex. After the conclusion of the Milan events, the JAS Tensei project will also be presented to a specialist audience at the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique at the end of April, to further deepen the connection between technical heritage and current vehicle development.

More on the Honda NSX:
Italdesign brings back the NSX with Honda’s blessing
This Honda NSX-R is more expensive than many Ferraris

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